Steelers Roster Exemption Deadline Approaches

The Pittsburgh Steelers have until 4:00 p.m. eastern today to activate tight end Weslye Saunders to the 53 man roster after being granted a roster exemption this past week.

Saunders returned to the team on Monday after serving his four game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. The short week led to the Steelers request for the exemption.

It has long been expected that veteran tight end Leonard Pope would be the one to be released to clear room for Saunders, as the Steelers have no need to carry four tight ends. Rookie tight end David Paulson has seen his playing time increase over the course of the last weeks, while Pope has barely seen the field.

Due to the long list of injuries that the Steelers suffered in their 26-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans Thursday night, there is a possibility that another move or two could be on the way depending on the severity of those injuries. Center Maurkice Pouncey suffered a MCL injury of some sorts, and although his teammates said they do not think it is serious, there is an outside chance that he might miss the Sunday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tackle Marcus Gilbert also suffered an ankle injury the game, but his prognosis is not known at this time. Should either or both be down in week 7 the Steelers most likely would have to promote either Ryan Lee or John Malecki from the practice squad as insurance.